Creating a Genuine Equation

A true equation is a mathematically accurate equation. A false equation is an incorrect equation; it says something erroneous or untrue. For example, 2 = 3 is a false equation, because 2 and 3 are different numerical values. To make a true equation, check your math to make sure that the values on each side of the equals sign are the same.

Step 1

Ensure that the numerical values on both sides of the “=” sign are the same to make a true equation.

For example, 9 = 9 is a true equation. 5 + 4 = 9 is a true equation. 6 + 3 = 9 is a true equation. Therefore, 5 + 4 = 6 + 3 is a true equation.

Step 2

Add any quantity to both sides of the equation to have a true equation.

For example: 5 + 4 + 2 = 6 + 3 + 2

Step 3

Subtract any quantity from both sides of the equation to have a true equation.

For example: 5 + 4 – 2 = 6 + 3 – 2

Step 4

Multiply any quantity by both sides of the equation to make a true equation.

For example: 7(5 + 4) = 7(6 + 3)

Step 5

Divide any nonzero quantity by both sides of the equation to make a true equation.

For example: (5 + 4)/3 = (6 + 3)/3

Exercise caution when dividing by 0. 8 = 9 is a false equation 8/0 = 0 and 9/0 = 0 are both true equations Therefore, 8/0 = 9/0 is a true equation.

0 is not a good value to use to create and check true equations because the rules of 0 are different than those of other numerical values.